Our Board

  • Tracy Gyllenhammer

    FOUNDER

    Tracy Gyllenhammer is the Founder of R.I.S.E. Northwest.

    She brings over 25 years of leadership, strategic planning, business growth, marketing, and sales experience to the Board, as she was privileged to personally own and operate an income tax service franchise in Spokane for 21 years.

    Determined to use her personal experience of loss, and of mothering five children who lost a parent at a young age, she carries a deep passion for supporting grieving children.

  • Christine Guzzardo, Ph.D.

    PRESIDENT

    Dr. Christine Guzzardo is a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist who provides neurodevelopment and neuropsychological assessment of children, adults, and seniors. She has been in independent practice since 2002, following completion of formal postdoctoral training in neuropsychology at the UCLA School of Medicine.

    Christine has served on the Washington State Examining Board of Psychology for seven years, two of which as Chair of the Board.

  • Jay Filer

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Jay is the co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of an energy finance and development company both here in the Pacific Inland Northwest as well as Hawaii.

    He brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial leadership and business strategy.

    R.I.S.E. Northwest strikes close to home: he lost his father at a young age and wasn’t afforded any of the support that R.I.S.E. is now providing children and families in need. He is excited and encouraged to help bring these essential services to the community.

  • Marlis Spawn, MBA

    TREASURER

    Marlis Petersen Spawn is Board Treasurer at R.I.S.E. Northwest, as well as Managing Director of Finance & Compensation/Benefits Plans for Catholic Charities of Eastern Washington.

    During her career, she has held financial leadership positions at Gonzaga Prep, STCU and IT Lifeline. Additionally, she has served on the Boards of the Jesuit Schools Network, STCU, Northwest Farm Credit Services and the Washington State Tobacco Settlement Authority.

    Marlis received her master’s degree in Business Administration from Seattle University and her Bachelor of Accounting degree from Gonzaga University.

  • Dana McCullough, MBA

    SECRETARY

    Born and raised in Spokane, Dana L. McCullough graduated in 1997 from the Washington State University Honors Program, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Gonzaga University.

    With a long tenure in business and finance having worked at Wellington Management Company, LLP, Microsoft, and ICM Asset Management, Inc. she is experienced in strategy development, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and Treasury management.

    She currently serves as Treasury Manager for Gonzaga University.

  • Craig Shaber

    BOARD MEMBER

    Craig Shaber is a Research Fellow and Ingot Technology Manager at Wagstaff, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Idaho. 

    He has worked over 25 years in research, designing, and testing casting equipment and processes for all aluminum alloys. He conducted successful research projects for three major ingot tooling systems before running the worldwide Technical Service for two years. He is now back in R&D and bringing those same project skills to Team RISE. 

    A father of three, with two grandchildren and more on the way, and experience serving in different nonprofits, Craig loves using his skills to help kids succeed.

Our Staff

  • Vanessa Wheat

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Vanessa Wheat learned the importance of empathy at a young age after losing her father. A dedicated mother of three, she has made it her life’s work to support those navigating grief. She is a certified Grief Coach through the Dora Carpenter Institute of Professional Grief Coaching and a Grief Educator through David Kessler.

    As the Executive Director of R.I.S.E. Northwest, Vanessa is committed to advocating for grieving children, teens, and young adults. She launched the organization’s first teen dedicated grief group, creating a vital space for young people to find connection and healing. Her mission is to raise awareness of R.I.S.E. Northwest’s work and inspire others by sharing her journey.

  • Karly Monteith

    DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

    Karly is an Eastern Washington University Child Life Master’s graduate. She works as a Certified Child Life Specialist in Oregon, providing psychosocial support for children and their families in the hospital setting. Karly works throughout the hospital but specifically works with children of adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit, aiding children’s coping and understanding of death and illness.

    Through her work, Karly is familiar with the impact that illness and death can have on children and families. Courses like Grief and Loss and Pediatric Palliative Care have helped her understand how children cope with loss. With an extensive knowledge of child development, Karly knows how youth of all ages understand and see the world.

  • Daphne Kirkpatrick, MS, MBA

    WEB DESIGNER

    Daphne is dedicated to advancing the mission of R.I.S.E. Northwest by designing and managing the organization’s website, ensuring accessible and effective communication.

    She holds master’s degrees in Computer Science (University of Piraeus, Greece) and Business Administration (University of the Aegean, Greece).

    With experience as Administrative Director at R.I.S.E. Northwest and Business & Communications Manager at the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation, Daphne brings expertise in nonprofit management, online marketing, and graphic design. She is committed to using her skills to expand the organization’s reach, ensuring that children in need receive vital support while providing timely information to parents, caregivers, and affected families.